// ongoing High School

Make Your Own Web App

The capstone of the LabCats web path. Design it. Build it. Ship it./p>

What is this class?

This is the course where everything comes together. Students who have worked through the LabCats web path — or who already know the basics — design and build their own original full-stack web application from scratch.

No pre-assigned projects. No templates. You pick the idea, plan the architecture, write the code, and build something real.

This isn't just open lab time. Every session includes real teaching — new techniques, new concepts, new tools — delivered exactly when students need them for the next stage of their app. Instead of learning PHP in the abstract, you learn it because your app needs a database. Instead of studying JavaScript in isolation, you learn it because your app needs to do something. The curriculum is built around your project, not the other way around.

The goal: a working app entered in the Congressional App Challenge by the end of the year — and ideally in the Apple Store before you graduate.

Class Details

Grades	High School

Schedule	Fridays 4–5:30pm

Format	In-person · Forest Hills NW DC · Max 6 students

Prereq	Basics of Web Apps or equivalent experience

$500

per 10-session course

Check Availability ->

// the process

The full app development lifecycle

Every student goes through the same process a real developer follows — from idea to shipped product:

Step 1

Brainstorm & Plan

Pick an app idea worth building. We'll help you evaluate it for scope and feasibility, then map out the architecture before writing a single line of code.

Step 2

Design

Wireframe your app — what does each page look like? What does the user see and do? Getting this right before you build saves enormous time later.

Step 3

Build the Front End

HTML, CSS, and JavaScript — the part the user sees. Responsive layout, clean design, interactive elements that work.

Step 4

Build the Back End

PHP and MySQL — the part that makes things happen. User authentication, database design, server-side logic.

Step 5

Test & Debug

Real apps break. Learning to find bugs, fix them, and test systematically is one of the most valuable skills in the course.

Step 6

Deploy & Submit

Get your app live and submit it to the Congressional App Challenge. Real deadline. Real competition. Real pride when it works.

// The Tech

Front End. Back End. Full Stack.

These terms come up constantly in the software industry. Here's what they actually mean — and what you'll build in this class.

Front End

What the user sees in the browser. It presents content and lets users make decisions. You'll design layouts, style components, and write the interactions users experience directly.

HTML CSS JAvascript

Back End

The code that makes things happen. It lives on a server and gets the right data to the browser. You'll build databases, handle user accounts, and write the logic that powers your app.

PHP MySQL Server Logic

Full Stack

Combining both to build a complete, end-to-end application. That's what every student in this class builds — a fully functional app from the user interface all the way to the database.

Complete app end-to-end Ship it

// BUILT BY OUR STUDENTS

Real apps. Real code. Real kids.

These aren't tutorial projects — students dream them up and build them themselves.

The Zhi Book

Chinese-learning app built with a Wilson HS student, based on a real teacher's curriculum. Used by real students.

PHP · MySQL · HTML/CSS

Mountain Mapping

Search every ski mountain in North America by skill level and style. Full database app with custom queries.

PHP · MySQL · API

HikerHunt

Generates a personalized scavenger hunt for kids on the trail — with points, fun facts, and a leaderboard by park location.

PHP · MySQL · Geolocation

Closet Shuffle

Generates outfits based on weather, activity, and color preferences — a fully functional recommendation engine.

PHP · MySQL · JavaScript

Flow Bros

A tournament tool for debaters to share and search opponent notes. Features team privacy controls and a searchable flows database.

PHP · MySQL · HTML/CSS

Ultimate: The Guide

Rules, tutorials, and a chat feature for Ultimate Frisbee players.

Full-stack · Chat feature

Gift Generator

Enter a recipient's age, interests, and budget to get personalized
gift ideas — with lists, occasion tracking, and a Secret Santa feature.

PHP · MySQL · Search Algorithm

MVP Workout

Pick your muscle groups and available equipment — get a custom workout. Save, rate, and log sessions, then share routines via email or text.

PHP · MySQL · Tagged Exercise DB

See Student Work →

// the competition

Congressional App Challenge

Every year Congress runs a coding competition open to all US high school students. Students submit apps for their Congressional District — and winning means your app gets displayed in the US Capitol.

Every student in the Make Your Own Web App course enters. The deadline creates real motivation. The competition creates real pride. The skills last a lifetime.

Learn about the challenge

Annual

Competition held every year.

All 50

States Participate by district

US Capitol

Winning Apps Displayed in Congress

// Is this the right Class?

Who is this for?

This class is designed for students who are ready to build something real. Not sure if that's you? Get in touch and we'll figure it out.

You should be comfortable with:

HTML and CSS — building and styling web pages
JavaScript basics — variables, functions, loops
PHP fundamentals — server-side scripting
Basic database concepts — tables, queries
Working in a real code editor

It helps if you have:

Completed Basics of Web Apps
Built a simple web project before
An idea you're excited to build
The patience to debug when things break
laptop you can install software on

View the full course path